I came off Accutane one year ago and my skin was great. Since then the oiliness has returned and I worried that the acne is making a real comeback. I'm getting cystic acne again. Last period, I got 3 around my nostrils. I've also had a number of small pimples too. And I've got a cystic one on my chin now. But then I have got a cold. Basically, I'm not sure whether it's stress at work/hormonal/feeling unwell or whether it's the acne properly returning. I don't mind having the occasional spot, but I'm going to be pretty miserable if my skin reverts to how it was before.

Any advice? I don't want to go back on the bc pill because I've tried a number of them and it makes me really depressed and anxious.

I'm currently using Differin as a topical treatment. I'm using a cleanser that's supposed to not harm the skin's barrier. I use Oil of Olay moisturiser.

I tried the PSF cleanser and BHA 2% before when my skin was really bad and it didn't make any difference. I also felt that the PSF dried out my skin a bit, even though it was still as oily as ever. I'm wondering whether it would be worth trying it again now that I've been on Accutane, or whether I should try something else. Any and all ideas are gratefully appreciated. I'm nearly 27 and I feel like I'm too old for acne, even though I know that adults get it too.

Yes, my tail is naturally curly.
No, it was NOT me who cried 'wee wee wee wee wee' all the way home.

I came off Accutane one year ago and my skin was great. Since then the oiliness has returned and I worried that the acne is making a real comeback. I'm getting cystic acne again. Last period, I got 3 around my nostrils. I've also had a number of small pimples too. And I've got a cystic one on my chin now. But then I have got a cold. Basically, I'm not sure whether it's stress at work/hormonal/feeling unwell or whether it's the acne properly returning. I don't mind having the occasional spot, but I'm going to be pretty miserable if my skin reverts to how it was before.

Any advice? I don't want to go back on the bc pill because I've tried a number of them and it makes me really depressed and anxious.

I'm currently using Differin as a topical treatment. I'm using a cleanser that's supposed to not harm the skin's barrier. I use Oil of Olay moisturiser.

I tried the PSF cleanser and BHA 2% before when my skin was really bad and it didn't make any difference. I also felt that the PSF dried out my skin a bit, even though it was still as oily as ever. I'm wondering whether it would be worth trying it again now that I've been on Accutane, or whether I should try something else. Any and all ideas are gratefully appreciated. I'm nearly 27 and I feel like I'm too old for acne, even though I know that adults get it too.

Originally Posted by Piglet

After reading a mention of Hibiclens antibacterial cleanser here about something totally unrelated, I went to www.makeupalley.com to check it out and saw that several people highly recommended it for controlling their acne. If I recall correctly, www.drugstore.com had similar reviews. Might be worth trying. You can find in drugstores, usually along with Betadine on the first aid aisle.

It's used for staph infections and all manner of things. It's worked well for me to help control underarm odor since I've become so sensitive that I can no longer use antiperspirants and barely even natural deodorants.

You probably don't need to use it all the time and build up resistance, but maybe 2-3 times a week or at the first sign of a problem? I use it 2-3 times and week myself, and that's enough so far - my Tom's, Crystal, or Lafe's natural deodorants are enough along with it.

[QUOTE=Piglet;1600353]I came off Accutane one year ago and my skin was great. Since then the oiliness has returned and I worried that the acne is making a real comeback. I'm getting cystic acne again. Last period, I got 3 around my nostrils. I've also had a number of small pimples too. And I've got a cystic one on my chin now. But then I have got a cold. Basically, I'm not sure whether it's stress at work/hormonal/feeling unwell or whether it's the acne properly returning. I don't mind having the occasional spot, but I'm going to be pretty miserable if my skin reverts to how it was before.

Any advice? I don't want to go back on the bc pill because I've tried a number of them and it makes me really depressed and anxious.

I'm currently using Differin as a topical treatment. I'm using a cleanser that's supposed to not harm the skin's barrier. I use Oil of Olay moisturiser.

I tried the PSF cleanser and BHA 2% before when my skin was really bad and it didn't make any difference. I also felt that the PSF dried out my skin a bit, even though it was still as oily as ever. I'm wondering whether it would be worth trying it again now that I've been on Accutane, or whether I should try something else. Any and all ideas are gratefully appreciated. I'm nearly 27 and I feel like I'm too old for acne, even though I know that adults get it too.[/QUOTE]

I feel your pain. As a teen i thought once i became an adult, my acne would go away and i would have clear skin. surprise, surprise! just turned 28 and i still have flare ups. Not as bad, but not what i was expecting as a teen.

Auntnett - I'll look at Hibiclens and see if I can get it over here. Thanks for the rec. I'm familiar with MUA too, and a few of my favourite make up items were purchased after reading the reviews. What do you use on your skin?

Thanks RCW - I was kind of wondering if another course of Accutane was going to be the way to go. I've had another 2 cystic pimples crop up on my chin today. In all fairness, I do have a cold and I think I'm stressed and a bit run down. I was thinking of maybe trying BHA again. I do think I need to start exfoliating. Prior to Accutane, my skin was terrible whatever I did, but maybe now things like exfoliating will help. RCW, you've said before that you tried Accutane and that you have oily skin. Do you remember how long it was after stopping Accutane that your skin became oily again? I'm not sure that mine is quite as oily as it was (and my lips are still very dry) but it is oily around the nostrils and on my chin. Exactly where the break outs are!

Thelio - thanks for the sympathy. I know that there are far worse things than acne, but I really thought I had got rid of it.

Yes, my tail is naturally curly.
No, it was NOT me who cried 'wee wee wee wee wee' all the way home.

Thanks RCW - I was kind of wondering if another course of Accutane was going to be the way to go. I've had another 2 cystic pimples crop up on my chin today. In all fairness, I do have a cold and I think I'm stressed and a bit run down. I was thinking of maybe trying BHA again. I do think I need to start exfoliating. Prior to Accutane, my skin was terrible whatever I did, but maybe now things like exfoliating will help. RCW, you've said before that you tried Accutane and that you have oily skin. Do you remember how long it was after stopping Accutane that your skin became oily again? I'm not sure that mine is quite as oily as it was (and my lips are still very dry) but it is oily around the nostrils and on my chin. Exactly where the break outs are!

Originally Posted by Piglet

I was clear and non-oily for 10 years. You didn't get enough of a "kill" on your oil glands. You need some more time on Accutane.

Don't make excuses your pimples...plenty of non-acne-prone people get sick and run-down and don't have to deal with cystic acne. You have pimples, you don't want them, there is a cure available and you should take it. Period.

I've done 3 rounds of Accutane - my first one was when I was 21 and the last when I was 26. I'll be 29 in a month and my skin is still super oily and I am usually broken out. The only time my skin was clear was when I was actually taking the Accutane. However, I've gotten it pretty much under control with a black soap by Shea Moisture that I purchased at Target and a 5% BHA solution from PSF Skincare.

Thanks RCW. It's useful to know that your skin took a long time before it became oily again.

My skin has been a lot better recently. Actually, aside from one non-cystic pimple that has cropped up, it's totally clear. It was also very clear during a recent period. I've decided to wait and see how it goes. If my skin starts to become a real problem, I will without question seek to go back on Accutane. I just don't want to rush back onto it as it's a strong medication.

Hi Jill, thanks for the suggestions. I think I will go back on the PSF stuff. I'm glad you've found a regime that works for you.

Yes, my tail is naturally curly.
No, it was NOT me who cried 'wee wee wee wee wee' all the way home.

I was on two cycles of accutane 8 and 10 years ago. I am 30 now and finally don't have too much trouble other than an occasional hormonal breakout. I just wanted to say about a year ago I got very sick with stomach problems and it worries me that accutane use is correlated with some pretty serious stomach problems. Just wanted to get that out there...I am surprised they are still prescribing it!

Anyway, the only thing that ever helped my acne besides accutane is the oil cleansing method and evening primrose oil (helps with hormonal breakouts for me).

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Robin*mama to 3 little boys and a 4th due in early March*3a shoulder length curls*experimenting with the CG method

I just wanted to say about a year ago I got very sick with stomach problems and it worries me that accutane use is correlated with some pretty serious stomach problems. Just wanted to get that out there...I am surprised they are still prescribing it!

Originally Posted by RobinP92202

There are very few things that AREN'T blamed on Accutane. Unscrupulous lawyers tend to gravitate towards these controversial drugs and blame all manner of diseases/complications/deaths on them and sue the hell out of deep-pocketed corporations. The lawyers make money even if they don't win.

I hope they never stop making Accutane. It would be a crime if future acne sufferers didn't have the only thing that actually works.